Respiratory tract infections are a very common disease in children, especially in school and nursery school children. In order to protect against contagion in respiratory infections, it is very important to wear a mask, disinfect hands, and pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene. Hygiene education should be given to children by parents, high fever should be controlled and plenty of fluids should be consumed to prevent dehydration.

Respiratory tract infections are examined in two groups: upper and lower respiratory tract. Upper respiratory tract infections The upper respiratory tract is the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx.

Sinuses refer to the entire upper respiratory system, including the throat area. Runny nose, sore throat and cough etc. complaints are seen. Diseases such as flu, cold, epiglottitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis (sinus infection) are upper respiratory tract infections. Epiglottitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is at the bottom of the tongue. Its function here is to prevent food and liquids from entering the lungs. Epiglottitis in children causes fever, inflammation in the throat, wheezing, etc. accompanied by symptoms. Pharyngitis is an upper respiratory tract infection with symptoms such as dry cough and burning in the throat, which is frequently seen especially in children during winter months. Sinusitis is a common upper respiratory tract infection in children that causes nasal congestion and discharge.

Symptoms such as intense nasal postnasal drip, green or yellow nasal discharge, and headache are observed in children. Croup (Laryngitis or croup) is an upper respiratory tract infection frequently encountered in children. It occurs as a result of swelling and inflammation of the larynx. It starts with a hoarse and rough cough. For the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, a physical examination is primarily performed. During the physical examination, the doctor will listen to the heart and lungs, check the throat and ears, etc. General health status is determined by examinations. If the doctor deems it necessary, additional tests such as blood tests, chest x-rays and allergy tests may be requested. The treatment process is generally carried out with medication support, antibiotic initiation, and oxygen support if necessary. Depending on the severity of the disease, hospital care may be required.

Lower respiratory tract infections General examination of the pediatrician in respiratory tract infections, measurement of temperature, inflammation of the ears, etc. The examination is performed to detect conditions, listen to the lungs and heart, and listen to abdominal movements. If the doctor deems it necessary, he will perform the treatment process of the disease by requesting a blood test and chest X-ray. In children under three years of age, cough, runny nose, and weakness occur along with mild fever. Higher fever (40◦) is observed in children older than three years of age. The lower respiratory tract is the trachea, bronchi and lungs. Diseases such as chest infection, bronchiolitis (a lung infection usually seen in children) and inflammation of the lungs are lower respiratory tract infections. Bronchiolitis can be defined as inflammation of the lining of the bronchioles. It is frequently seen in children between the 2nd and 24th months. They are very small passages through which air travels towards the lungs. These passages are narrower in babies. Here, narrowing occurs as a result of inflammation. The treatment process is carried out with oxygen support, antibiotics and fluid support. Pneumonia occurs as a result of inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs.

It is a disease that occurs as a result of inflammation of the bronchioles and alveoli. It is mostly seen in children between the ages of 2-3. For lower respiratory tract infections, children should be treated on an outpatient basis and if the disease progresses, they should be hospitalized and the treatment and care process should be carried out with the support of a professional healthcare team.